Page 45 of Summer Longing
By the time Elise and Fern had closed the tea shop, changed their clothes, and fed Mira, it was late; they didn’t get to Rachel and Luke’s until the tail end of dinner.
All day, Elise had told herself to forget about the encounter with Bianca. No doubt the woman had been exaggerating about Fern discussing selling the house. And she did forget about it—until she caught Bianca’s eye across the table and heard her words afresh:That woman said she was very interested. And Fern said it was an interesting idea.
Elise, who’d been chatting amiably with Ruth Cooperman, could not believe the woman was after her house—not when she’d been so helpful and understanding about the baby. No, Elise would not allow herself to be upset. Not on a beautiful night like this. She poured herself another glass of wine, a crisp white from Argentina. They were going down so easily.
“More rice?” Fern asked, passing her the casserole. The baked-seafood dish was one of her favorites, a Portuguese recipe she’d first tasted at the Barroses’ house their first summer.
Elise smiled at her. “Thanks. I should stop, but it’s so good.”
“It’s a party! We can show restraint tomorrow.”
Yes, it was a party. And things with Fern were good—not perfect, but good enough. The shop was almost as busy today as it had been over the weekend; it was a beautiful night under the stars; and she had a baby on her lap.Deep breaths,she told herself.
When the dinner plates were cleared, in the lull before dessert, it was musical chairs as the guests all shifted around to catch up with whomever they’d missed chatting with during the first two courses. Jaci arrived even later than Fern and Elise, separate from the rest of her family, and immediately offered to hold Mira. Elise handed her over, although she felt no need for relief. Despite the intense work of keeping an infant content, she had a sense of loss every time Mira left her arms.
“I’m so sorry about Marco,” Jaci said, looking down at Mira. “I’m trying to change his mind, but my parents are on his side.”
“Don’t make trouble in your family over a summer job,” Fern said. “If you want to come over and hang out in your free time, our door is always open. But you need to support your family’s business.”
“I’m in school getting a degree so I won’tneedto go into the business,” she said. “I’m not planning to spend the rest of my life here. They have to accept that sooner or later.”
Mira started fussing, and Jaci stood up. “I can take her for a walk in her stroller.”
“Oh, I’ll do it. Enjoy yourself—it’s a party,” Elise said.
Jaci gave her a wry look. “This isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. I just spent all day with Marco. I don’t need to hang out with him and my parents all night. I’m happy to take a walk.”
Fern told her the stroller was parked on the back patio. Elise resisted the urge to call out,Don’t go too far!She didn’t want Jaci taking Mira at all but she knew Fern would be happy to have some adult time.
“I didn’t even get a chance to say hello to you ladies,” Clifford Henry said, swooping in to fill the seat Jaci had vacated. Elise couldn’t focus; she was watching Jaci across the lawn with the baby.
“Relax,” Fern said, putting her hand on top of hers.
“So who’s the new addition?” Clifford said, following Elise’s gaze.
“We’re trying to adopt,” Elise said.
“Fabulous! How did you—”
“Speaking of additions, we just saw Santiago’s work on this house for the first time tonight,” Fern said quickly.
“Santiago’s a genius,” Clifford said with a wave. “And so are you two. I’m in love with your divine store.In love.”
“Well, thanks, Clifford. We’re pretty happy with it ourselves,” Fern said, winking at Elise.
“Are you going to hire part-time summer help or just manage with the two of you?”
“We’re trying to figure that out,” Elise said. “Why? Do you know of someone who’s looking for part-time work?”
“No,” he said, leaning closer. “But I do know of someone who is looking to buy your house.”
Elise’s stomach dropped, but a quick glance at Fern reassured her. She was already rolling her eyes. “Shell Haven is not for sale, Clifford,” Elise said.
“I know it’s not for sale at the moment. But when it is, I hope you’ll come to me first. Ruth Cooperman told me she spoke with you, Fern. That woman is signaling that she is willing tospend. It’s a seller’s market, as you know, so just say the word and I will work my magic.”
“You’re going to have to work your magic elsewhere,” Fern said.
“You two are no fun!” Clifford said.
